POLONNARUWA CITY

Statue at the Potgul Vihara 

Traditionally it is believe that this stature is of King ParakramaBahu the Great in 1153-1186 AD. However, there is no evidence to prove and confirm the tradition in which some scholars are believing  that this might be a statue of Sage who lived during Polonnaruwa period.

Concerns are taken place with the object carrying on the both hands could be a palm leaf manuscript where should then be one of these sage Pulasti, Agastya or Kapila representing their erudition.

The common version is that the King ParakramaBahu holding yoke representing sovereignty.  

By: Eranga Jayasinghe

Ref: Inscription at the site 

Pothgul Vihara

There is an argument about the name of this building which haven't been cleared what exactly it was with the current evidence found regarding . There was suggestion this could be either Kapila Vihara or Mandala Mandira build by King ParakaramaBahu Great 1153-1186 AD. Not sure present name Potgul Vihara how drive from, however if this was the Potgul vihara or the library shrine could be regarded as the oldest library shrine so far founded in the Island.

Archaeologist have found a stone inscription at the site belongs to Queen Chandrawathie consort of King ParakaramaBahu the Great recorded there renovation work at this temple.

The peculiar feature of this site is circular brick building located in the centre of squire central terrace. Evidence suggests that roof itself had been made out of bricks and the inner wall contained paintings.

On the four side of the building four circular mounds are seen which may be the associate stupas, and in lower terrace are seen rectangular or squire residential cells.

Shrines of similar design are seen in South East Asian countries and this particular site is very much closer to the Minbien Shrine of Cambodia. 

By: Eranga jayasinghe 

Ref: Inscription at the site